The Best Hotels in Harajuku, Tokyo

Ignore the cute but somewhat misleading name; the 136 rooms at Dormy Inn are contemporary in feeling and subtly calming in shades of grey and earthy tones. The in-house natural hot spring, available to all guests, is a calming afternoon well spent, and additional thoughtful touches include free e-bikes and ramen, as well as a complimentary shuttle to the train station at Harajuku.

Housed in the eponymous landmark 41-storey structure, the Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel looms over this Tokyo neighborhood. The rooms, all of which are located on the 19th floor and above, offer ample space and even more generous views. Kitchenettes in some rooms, an expansive pool and fitness centre, a handful of eating outlets and easy access to the subway make your stay a comfortable and convenient one.

Right on the doorstep of Harajuku’s fashion-forward Cat Street and a 10-minute stroll from Shibuya Crossing, Trunk is in the middle of the action but tucked far enough away from the main thoroughfare to provide peace and quiet. The hotel features a Trunk-brand convenience store, an outdoor deck and a lobby that by day is a popular co-working space and by night is a sleek cocktail bar.

Sitting on the Harajuku corner of Shibuya, Hotel Koé is more than just a hotel. It’s also an art hub, live music space, bar, café, restaurant, co-working spot and retail store. It was founded by the apparel company Stripe, which is why it’s overflowing with street-style cool. The hotel features 10 rooms, sizes ranging from S to XL, each designed with an appreciation for minimalism. Keep an eye out when visiting, though, as this place is full of surprises. One is the check-in desk, which some nights transforms into a DJ booth manned by Masaya Kuroki of fashion and music label Maison Kitsuné.

Great for exploring the city on foot, Shibuya Hotel EN is just a five-minute walk from the 109 Building and Shibuya Crossing, and a 10-minute walk from Harajuku’s sugary pink Takeshita Street. There are countless bars and restaurants surrounding the hotel. However, if you’re too tired to go any further after a day of exploring, you’ll find an intimate café serving ultra-fluffy pancakes on the first floor of the hotel.

One of the most well-known hotels in the area, Shibuya Granbell is a fail-safe option. It has vibrant Pop art-inspired rooms, and the mega-shopping hubs of Daikanyama and Omotesandō are walking distance away, while Shinjuku is just a few minutes by train. Prices vary dramatically depending on the size and style of the room.

Just a few minutes from Shibuya Crossing, the Millennials features capsule-style rooms that feel worlds away from your typical capsule hotel. The larger private spaces come with projector screens, and some rooms feature unique murals designed by exciting Japanese visual artists. The main area also has a large co-working space, an excellent spot for digital nomads and travelling creatives to meet and collaborate.

Almond Hostel is a stylish, minimalistic hostel nestled in the central yet peaceful hub of Yoyogi Hachiman, about 15 minutes’ walk from Shibuya Crossing. Balancing easy access with private, laid-back familiarity, the hostel and on-site café provide guests with plenty of opportunities to mingle or get work done over a masterfully crafted brew.

Conveniently nestled between Shibuya and Harajuku stations, Hotel Emit Shibuya is a minimalistic hotel with high-end hotel service. There’s an on-site café – perfect for remote workers – and it’s within walking distance of both Shibuya Crossing and the vibrant streets of Harajuku. If you’re looking for a central city hub with a relaxed atmosphere, this is it.

Backing onto Harajuku, the neighbourhood of Aoyama is like Harajuku’s slightly older, more sophisticated sibling. It’s an excellent place to stay if you want high-end lodgings with easy access to Harajuku. This hotel is located a 10-minute walk from Takeshita Street and is surrounded by endless nightlife options and dining experiences.